Garbage Disposal Repair and Installation in Salem, IL
A malfunctioning garbage disposal can quickly become a headache, especially when dinner’s ready and your sink won’t drain. Whether the unit is jammed, leaking from the base, won’t start, or makes strange noises like grinding gravel, our team typically resolves these problems the same day.
Call us at 618-603-2608 and we'll assess if repairing your disposal makes sense or replacing it is the smarter choice. This depends on its age, the issue, and repair costs versus the price of a new unit. For example, a disposal over a decade old with electrical issues is better off replaced. A newer unit stuck on debris usually just needs clearing. We explain everything upfront and give you a firm quote before work begins.
We also perform drain cleaning to tackle blockages caused by buildup in the P-trap or drain lines below the disposal. Sometimes the disposal is fine, but the pipe it drains into isn’t. If you’re upgrading your kitchen, check out our kitchen remodeling and faucet and fixture installation services as well.
Our Garbage Disposal Services
Garbage Disposal Repairs
Common repairs we handle include jams (motor hums but grinding plate won’t turn — try the hex wrench on the bottom first; if that fails or jams happen often, call us), reset button issues, leaks from the sink flange or discharge outlet, worn splash guards, and units that start but don’t grind food efficiently due to worn parts.
We fully diagnose the problem before suggesting replacement. Many repairs cost less than you’d expect. If your disposal is too old or damaged, we’ll explain why a new one is better and provide cost comparisons. We service all major makes including InSinkErator, Waste King (Moen), GE, KitchenAid, and others.
Garbage Disposal Replacement
If your disposal is over 10 years old, leaking from the casing, or has a burnt-out motor, swapping it out is usually the best move. We take out the old unit, inspect and clean the sink drain and mounting hardware, replace corroded parts, and install your new disposal. We’ll also connect your dishwasher drain if needed, ensure electrical wiring is safe and appropriate, and test everything before finishing.
When picking horsepower, 1/2 HP suits most families. For more frequent use or tougher jobs, 3/4 HP helps prevent jams. If you run a busy kitchen or have a large family, 1 HP is quieter and stronger, since it won’t have to work as hard. We’ll guide you through the options during your service visit.
New Garbage Disposal Installation
Adding a disposal to a sink without one requires extra work: cutting the drain opening to fit the mounting flange, installing electrical outlets or switches (usually the electrician's role, but we coordinate closely), hooking up the dishwasher drain if present, and routing the disposal’s outlet line correctly. We manage all the plumbing and let you know upfront if electrical upgrades are necessary.
Clearing Disposal-Related Drain Clogs
If your kitchen drain runs slow or backs up when the disposal runs, the clog might be below the unit—in the P-trap or downstream drain pipe. Grease, bits of food, and soap scum often accumulate there. We use drain snakes to clear lines and inspect dishwasher drains while we’re at it. If both the disposal and drain cause issues, we fix both areas for reliable flow.
Is Your Disposal Due for Service?
- Hums but won’t grind (possible jam)
- No response when switched on
- Unusual grinding, rattling, or screeching sounds
- Leaks from the base of the unit
- Leaks at sink flange or drain connections
- Slow or backed-up kitchen sink drain
- Reset button keeps tripping
- Lingering bad smells despite cleaning
- Unit is over a decade old
Items to Keep Out of Your Disposal
- Grease, oils, or fats — harden and clog pipes
- Fibrous vegetables — like celery stalks, corn husks, onion skins, or artichokes
- Bulk starchy foods — pasta, rice, potato peels that swell and clog pipes
- Bones and pits — can harm the grinder
- Eggshells — membranes can wrap around blades
- Large amounts of coffee grounds — cause buildup in drains
- Always run cold water during and 15 seconds after grinding
Garbage Disposal Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily broken. Usually, humming means the motor is powered but the grinding plate is stuck. First, turn off the disposal. Locate the hex socket at the bottom center and use the Allen wrench (often taped to the unit) to manually rotate the plate back and forth. Never use your fingers—use tongs or pliers—to clear debris from the drain opening. If this doesn’t resolve the issue or it happens repeatedly, give us a call at 618-603-2608.
If your disposal is relatively new (under 5-6 years) and the problem is fixable like a jam or small leak, repairing is usually more cost-effective. For units older than 10 years, with motor failure or housing leaks, replacing is generally the better option. We’ll lay out both choices and pricing so you can make the best call.
Most disposals last between 8 and 15 years. Factors like usage frequency, what’s put through them, and brand quality affect lifespan. Heavy use, fibrous or starchy foods, and frequent jams shorten life. Brands like InSinkErator and Waste King dominate the market with solid options at multiple price points.
Yes, in many kitchen sinks. Installing a disposal where none exist means altering the sink drain to accept the mounting flange and providing power via an outlet or switch under the sink—usually handled by an electrician. We manage the plumbing and coordinate with any electrical work needed. It’s a popular upgrade especially when updating kitchens (kitchen remodels).